PhD Study : Living alongside the architecture of conflict in a transitional society: A study of mental health and mobility

Apply and key information  

Summary

Mental health problems are reported to be significantly higher in Northern Ireland than in other parts of the UK (Mental Health Foundation, 2016).  Much of this is attributed to the legacy of conflict and the interconnected issues of poverty and inequality. Direct and indirect experiences of violence and division have been linked to a wide range of mental health issues and disorders. A 2014 study found that despite the inception of the formal cessation of violence and the signing of a peace agreement in 1998, significant parts of the population continue to report poor mental health related to the exposure of trauma and conflict (Ferry et, al, 2014). For some people in Northern Ireland, the conflict continues to be a lived reality where the legacy of violence demarcates space and place and shapes mobility. The ‘architecture’ of that conflict comprising peacewalls, commemorative monuments, plaques and murals, as well as flags and emblems, intersects with the everyday geographies of interface communities (see Shirlow 2003) who are tasked with navigating segregation, sites of trauma and memory and other visible manifestations of conflict and division. Previous studies have pointed to high incidences of poor mental health among those who live in close proximity to peacelines (Reilly 2011) but there is an absence of interdisciplinary work which looks at the impact of living among the architecture of conflict and division in transitional societies more generally.

The overarching aim of this interdisciplinary PhD project therefore, which draws on conceptual and methodological approaches from both Geography and Psychology, is to examine the ways in which exposure to the ‘architecture’ of conflict may impact upon wellbeing, mental health and mobility within and across interface communities in Northern Ireland. It aims to:

1.Map conflict architecture in and alongside two interface communities;

2.Explore how such material impacts mobility and wellbeing within interfaces;

3.Ascertain how conflict architecture influences transgenerational experiences of conflict and trauma.

The project will incorporate a triangulated methodological approach encompassing both qualitative and quantitative approaches to elucidate a better understanding of the relationship between mental health and landscapes of division, trauma and memory. These approaches will include cognitive mapping, semi-structured interviews and a survey. It is anticipated that this PhD project will generate considerable impact in addressing a pressing societal challenge and have policy implications for both peacebuilding and mental health interventions.

References

Ferry, F., Bunting, B., Murphy, S., O’Neill, S., Stein, D. and Koenen, K., 2014. Traumatic events and their relative PTSD burden in Northern Ireland: a consideration of the impact of the ‘Troubles’. Social psychiatry and psychiatric epidemiology, 49(3), pp.435-446. O’Reilly, D. and Stevenson, M., 2003. Mental health in Northern Ireland: have “the Troubles” made it worse? Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health, 57(7), pp.488-492. O'Reilly, D., 2011. Give my head peace. Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health, 65(Suppl_2), pp.A14-A15. Shirlow, P., 2003. Who fears to speak’: Fear, mobility, and ethno‐sectarianism in the two ‘ardoynes. The Global Review of Ethnopolitics, 3(1), pp.76-91.

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

  • A comprehensive and articulate personal statement

Desirable Criteria

If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

  • First Class Honours (1st) Degree
  • Masters at 65%
  • Research project completion within taught Masters degree or MRES
  • Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
  • Work experience relevant to the proposed project
  • Experience of presentation of research findings

Funding and eligibility

The University offers the following levels of support:

Vice Chancellors Research Studentship (VCRS)

The following scholarship options are available to applicants worldwide:

  • Full Award: (full-time tuition fees + £19,000 (tbc))
  • Part Award: (full-time tuition fees + £9,500)
  • Fees Only Award: (full-time tuition fees)

These scholarships will cover full-time PhD tuition fees for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance) and will provide a £900 per annum research training support grant (RTSG) to help support the PhD researcher.

Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Please note: you will automatically be entered into the competition for the Full Award, unless you state otherwise in your application.

Department for the Economy (DFE)

The scholarship will cover tuition fees at the Home rate and a maintenance allowance of £19,000 (tbc) per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance).

This scholarship also comes with £900 per annum for three years as a research training support grant (RTSG) allocation to help support the PhD researcher.

  • Candidates with pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, who also satisfy a three year residency requirement in the UK prior to the start of the course for which a Studentship is held MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance.
  • Republic of Ireland (ROI) nationals who satisfy three years’ residency in the UK prior to the start of the course MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance (ROI nationals don’t need to have pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme to qualify).
  • Other non-ROI EU applicants are ‘International’ are not eligible for this source of funding.
  • Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies. Further information on cost of living

The Doctoral College at Ulster University

Key dates

Submission deadline
Monday 19 February 2018
12:00AM

Interview Date
March 2018

Preferred student start date
Mid September 2018

Applying

Apply Online  

Contact supervisor

Dr Sara McDowell

Other supervisors